The Billmuda Triangle

When a winery goes up for sale in Sonoma County, Bill Foley is the first one brokers call. Foley, who made his fortune in the title insurance industry, says he has poured more than $200 million of his own money into the wine business since buying his first winery in 1996. He now presides over a collection of 16 wineries from Alexander Valley to New Zealand, making him one of the most active buyers in Wine Country.

Foley said..."Once I get into something, I go all in. I just keep on going. I don't stop with just one little thing. I just keep trying to grow it and make it bigger and to keep on improving." Wine has become both a lifestyle and a strategic business opportunity for the 68-year-old insurance executive, who moved the base of his wine operations to Sonoma County in 2008. He now spends five months of the year at his home on the grounds of Chalk Hill Winery.

Our March 9th wine offer focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blends from the three wineries closest to Mayacama, what we like to refer to as the “Billmuda" Triangle - Chalk Hill, Roth, and Lancaster Estate.

The Wines

2010 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine has an intense, deep color with rich aromas of dark chocolate, raspberries, and violets. The tannins are refined and polished giving the wine amazing structure and depth that keeps gaining power as it moves across your pallet. Black berries, cherries, coffee and vanilla that are finely strung together by a distinct minerality seem to come straight from the soil, complementing the tannin and giving way to a long, beautiful finish.

 92 Points - Robert Parker Jr.
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is much more polished than the 2009 tasted alongside it. Asphalt, smoke, tobacco, licorice, and tar all flow as this sumptuous Cabernet shows off its sexy, undeniably appealing personality. Hints of mocha and espresso add a resonant warmth that is hugely attractive. The tannins are firm but seamlessly balanced. There is a lot to like in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, starting with the wine's sheer class.”
94 Points & Publisher's Pick - The Tasting Panel Magazine

2010 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Nicole’s Blend
The 2010 Nicole’s Proprietary Red is a blend of the estate’s finest blocks. The final composition consists of four of the Bordeaux varietals grown here: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Its intense, dark, black-purple color stands out in the glass and needs time to open up. Its many layers of flavors and aromas come to life shortly after opening, offering generous ripe black berries, mocha, and dark cherries. The palate is highlighted by a core of dark, ripe fruit, but balanced by its acidity, polished tannins, and exotic oak. As you get to the bottom of your first glass the depth and layers emerge showing even more complex dark fruits, and an underlying minerality and earthiness. Nicole’s should be decanted when young, and should age for 20+ years.

93 Points Robert Parker Jr.
“Raspberry jam, mocha, spices, flowers and tobacco flesh out in the 2010 Proprietary Red Blend Nicole's, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend with dollops of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Intense and full-bodied, yet also impeccable in its balance, the 2010 is all about harmony. This is yet another hugely delicious 2010 from Lancaster Estate. Anticipated maturity: 2015 - 2025.”
The Tasting Panel Magazine - 94 Points

2012 Roth Estate Heritage Red Blend
A bold blend of some of their favorite regions and sub-climates throughout the southeastern parts of Sonoma County. It boasts incredible aromas of blackberry, caramel, and vanilla bean that draw you in immediately. On the palate the wine is lush and silky yet bright and concentrated. Beautiful notes of blueberry pie, cherries, and vanilla are well structured and leave you with a graceful finish. This wine has not yet been rated.

2012 Roth Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2012 Roth Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is made from select vineyard sites within the southernmost hillsides of the Alexander Valley. This wine is a true reflection of our passion for the noble Cabernet grape. The color is dark and bold. Aromas of chocolate, dark fruits, lilac and wet stone carry the nose. The soft and balanced tannins are layered with notes of currant, wet stone, nutmeg, and strawberry jam on the palate. The finish is strong and lingering. This wine has not yet been rated.

2011 Chalk Hill Estate Red Blend
 Our 2011 Estate Red is plush and smooth. Aroma descriptors include plum jam, raspberry liqueur, dark chocolate, and pipe tobacco. The complex flavor profile includes black cherry, blackberry, toasty oak, and Kalamata olives. The finish is long with balanced acidity and abundant fruit sweetness. Textured yet silky, the wine is very appealing in its youth, but will also age beautifully for the next 8-10 years. This wine has not yet been rated.

2012 Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere Blend
This 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – Carmenere captures the best of each variety and also shows how they complement each other beautifully. Cabernet gives the wine its structure and tannins, along with its classic blackberry and dark chocolate flavors. The Carmenere echoes those flavors, adding a slight hint of smoke and spice, but without the big tannins. The blend is richly textured and evolves with time in the glass. It’s a fascinating wine from a top quality vintage. Cabernet gives the wine its structure and tannins, along with classic blackberry and dark chocolate flavors. The Carmenere echoes those flavors, adding a hint of smoke and spice, but without the big tannins. This wine has not yet been rated and is normally only available at the tasting room.

The Offer

Pricing for all of these wines have been reduced for this offer. Build your own offer or purchase a six pack with each of the wines for $300 and save $31.

2010 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - $58
2010 Lancaster Cabernet Sauvignon, Nicole’s Blend - $95
2012 Roth Estate Heritage Blend - $26
2012 Roth Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - $24
2011 Chalk Hill Red Blend - $58
2012 Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere Blend - $70

Ordering

For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.

Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director 
[email protected]
707.569.2906